Psalm 15 asks, "Who are the ones that live in the life of the Holy Spirit?" I certainly want to be one described as living the life of the Holy Spirit. What does that look like? The description follows that introductory question:
passionate and whole hearted
sincere and speaking the truth - flowing from a trustworthy heart
refuse to slander or insult
will not listen to gossip or rumors
will not harm another with their words
speaks out against evil
commends the faithful ones who follow truth
makes firm commitments and follows through - even at great cost
never crushes others nor is pushed to hurt others
will never be shaken
will stand firm forever.
That is quite a list. It reminds me of the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Lord, This character truly can only be realized in my life as I pursue You and let Your Spirit dwell fully within me. Draw me nearer.
Tuesday, June 11, 2019
In All of This...
Psalm 13 starts with heart questions:
Will you forget me, Lord? Will you look the other way when I need help? How much longer must I cling to this grief?
Next, the heart cries:
It's been long enough. Look at me. Answer me. I've always trusted, so answer me.
Then, the heart surrenders with expectation:
Lastly, the heart responds with confidence:
...for in all of this You have strengthened my soul. I know I have a Savior in You.
My prayer: Lord, may you continually bring my heart to a place of surrender, expectaion and confidence in You.
Will you forget me, Lord? Will you look the other way when I need help? How much longer must I cling to this grief?
Next, the heart cries:
It's been long enough. Look at me. Answer me. I've always trusted, so answer me.
Then, the heart surrenders with expectation:
I will celebrate when Your salvation lifts me up. I will sing my song of joy to You.
...for in all of this You have strengthened my soul. I know I have a Savior in You.
My prayer: Lord, may you continually bring my heart to a place of surrender, expectaion and confidence in You.
Friday, January 20, 2017
Invitation To A Banquet
Remember the story of the king who prepared a banquet and then invited all of his friends to come? Do you remember what happened? None of them came, so he got everything ready and then tried again. What happened? They didn't pay any attention and went about their business. Some actually attached and murdered those who the king sent out with the invitations. Yes, you have read this story before...it's in Matthew 22.
I have always thought that this banquest was Jesus talking about that day when we will celerate with Him in heaven. Yes, it is; however, today God, through His Spirit, showed me another application to this story.
Day after day these past two weeks I have "hit the floor running" from the time I have awakened and gotten out of bed. Yes, I've quickly read my devotions a couple of times, but mostly I've plowed right into the day. That happened again morning. I was trying to catch a ferry, and I missed it due to misreading the ferry schedule. This gave me an extra hour in my morning that I hadn't expected. My encouraging husband responded to my complaining text with the reminder that I now had time to read my Bible. That is how I ended up in Matthew 22. The latter part of the chapter was actually the "verse of the day" on my Bible app.
When I read the story about the banquet at the beginning of the chapter, God immediately spoke to my heart. He said, "I have been inviting you to a banquet with me every morning and you have declined. You are set on going about your business."
My heart was struck. This is so true. I am missing out on the privilege of banqueting with my God and my Savior simply because of my busyness.
It is time to savor this opportunity.
How about you?
I have always thought that this banquest was Jesus talking about that day when we will celerate with Him in heaven. Yes, it is; however, today God, through His Spirit, showed me another application to this story.
Day after day these past two weeks I have "hit the floor running" from the time I have awakened and gotten out of bed. Yes, I've quickly read my devotions a couple of times, but mostly I've plowed right into the day. That happened again morning. I was trying to catch a ferry, and I missed it due to misreading the ferry schedule. This gave me an extra hour in my morning that I hadn't expected. My encouraging husband responded to my complaining text with the reminder that I now had time to read my Bible. That is how I ended up in Matthew 22. The latter part of the chapter was actually the "verse of the day" on my Bible app.
When I read the story about the banquet at the beginning of the chapter, God immediately spoke to my heart. He said, "I have been inviting you to a banquet with me every morning and you have declined. You are set on going about your business."
My heart was struck. This is so true. I am missing out on the privilege of banqueting with my God and my Savior simply because of my busyness.
It is time to savor this opportunity.
How about you?
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Life and Living
Life: It's a broad term. I have life, but am I really living? or... I am living, but do I really have life?
Perhaps there is the absence of both life and living...that is called dead!
When I hear the word "dead," I first think of physically dead. Yet, we can be physically dead and spiritually alive. "In Adam, all die [physically], so in Christ, all are made alive [spiritually and eventually physically when we are given new bodies!]." I Corinthians 15:22
In Ezekiel we are presented with quite the picture. Ezekiel is carried away by the Spirit of God to a valley of dead bones. There is not one glimmer of life.
Life can be that lifeless.
"Can these bones become living people again?" God asks.
Will I ever feel alive again? Will life be worth living again?
"You alone know, O Sovereign Lord," Ezekiel replies.
"...in Christ, all are made alive."
This is what the Sovereign Lord says, "Dry bones, I am going to put breath into you and make you live again!"
When God breathes into us, it is His very Spirit into our souls! This is life! "The body
is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness."
Romans 8:10
God tells Ezekiel, "Son of man, we have become old dry bones - all hope is gone...I will open your graves of exile [hopelessness] and cause you to rise again!"
"I will put my Spirit in you and you will live again..." says the Sovereign Lord.
I have come that you might have life, and have it to the fullest. -Jesus
"When this happens," says the Sovereign Lord, "you will know that I am the LORD."
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me,
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
"Then you will know that I, the Lord, have spoken, and I have done what I said. Yes the Lord has spoken." Ezekiel 37:14
Perhaps there is the absence of both life and living...that is called dead!
When I hear the word "dead," I first think of physically dead. Yet, we can be physically dead and spiritually alive. "In Adam, all die [physically], so in Christ, all are made alive [spiritually and eventually physically when we are given new bodies!]." I Corinthians 15:22
In Ezekiel we are presented with quite the picture. Ezekiel is carried away by the Spirit of God to a valley of dead bones. There is not one glimmer of life.
Life can be that lifeless.
"Can these bones become living people again?" God asks.
Will I ever feel alive again? Will life be worth living again?
"You alone know, O Sovereign Lord," Ezekiel replies.
"...in Christ, all are made alive."
This is what the Sovereign Lord says, "Dry bones, I am going to put breath into you and make you live again!"
When God breathes into us, it is His very Spirit into our souls! This is life! "The body
is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness."
Romans 8:10
God tells Ezekiel, "Son of man, we have become old dry bones - all hope is gone...I will open your graves of exile [hopelessness] and cause you to rise again!"
"I will put my Spirit in you and you will live again..." says the Sovereign Lord.
I have come that you might have life, and have it to the fullest. -Jesus
"When this happens," says the Sovereign Lord, "you will know that I am the LORD."
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me,
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
"Then you will know that I, the Lord, have spoken, and I have done what I said. Yes the Lord has spoken." Ezekiel 37:14
Friday, January 9, 2015
Misfit
Moses. Where did he fit? Born: Hebrew. Adopted: Egyptian.
Against the command of Pharaoh, Moses' mother hid Moses. By "accident", Pharaoh's daughter found Moses, was taken by his helpless cries and made him her own son.
This certainly didn't go unnoticed by the Hebrew nation trapped in brutal slavery. Mothers and fathers who had put their own sons to death out of fear of the Egyptian edict looked on this situation with both disgust and jealousy. It wasn't fair, yet how could one let one's own flesh and blood be raised and molded by the oppressor and enemy.
Moses lived the life as the princess' own son. He had the highest socioeconomic opportunities. Educated alongside the future pharaoh and the next military brass. From all appearances, he was Egyptian. At some point, however, Moses became aware that he was not the same and I suspect that those Egyptians, at some point, also became aware that underneath his appearance, Moses was not the same. He was "the same" but was not a true fit. He was an Egyptian misfit.
During these years, in the land of Goshen, I expect that they kept track of Moses. He looked so Egyptian. He was moving on in his schooling...Did you see him the other day with his "mother" when they were out and about? He carries himself so proudly. Doesn't he know where he came from? Doesn't he know what is happening to his real family? How could he live like that knowing what is going on here? It doesn't matter. He is one of them. He will never be one of us. He was a Hebrew misfit.
There comes a point in every ones life when "Who am I?" becomes a question that burns deep within. Moses was no exception. He knew what he had become: educated, strong, proud, privileged. He needed to see where he had come from. He determined to visit "his people." Why did he call them that? Deep inside he felt like a misfit among the Egyptians and he knew that the Hebrew people were his roots. Any adopted person longs to know their roots.
The visit to "his people" did not go so well. He didn't like what he saw. Why had he been privileged to grow up away from such misery? It was wrong. He must do something about it. He did, and he failed. Killing an Egyptian for beating one of "his people" only brought out the disgust that "his people" felt towards him because of his palatial upbringing and precipitated a death threat from Pharaoh because he had turned on his undeserved life of privilege.
Moses. Egyptian but not Egyptian. Hebrew but not Hebrew. Who was he? Where did he belong? Misfit.
Nowhere to go. Nowhere to hide. He fled to the wilderness...That's where God met him.
Sometimes that's what it takes. After the bottom drops out and I'm in the wilderness...that's where God meets me.
Against the command of Pharaoh, Moses' mother hid Moses. By "accident", Pharaoh's daughter found Moses, was taken by his helpless cries and made him her own son.
This certainly didn't go unnoticed by the Hebrew nation trapped in brutal slavery. Mothers and fathers who had put their own sons to death out of fear of the Egyptian edict looked on this situation with both disgust and jealousy. It wasn't fair, yet how could one let one's own flesh and blood be raised and molded by the oppressor and enemy.
Moses lived the life as the princess' own son. He had the highest socioeconomic opportunities. Educated alongside the future pharaoh and the next military brass. From all appearances, he was Egyptian. At some point, however, Moses became aware that he was not the same and I suspect that those Egyptians, at some point, also became aware that underneath his appearance, Moses was not the same. He was "the same" but was not a true fit. He was an Egyptian misfit.
During these years, in the land of Goshen, I expect that they kept track of Moses. He looked so Egyptian. He was moving on in his schooling...Did you see him the other day with his "mother" when they were out and about? He carries himself so proudly. Doesn't he know where he came from? Doesn't he know what is happening to his real family? How could he live like that knowing what is going on here? It doesn't matter. He is one of them. He will never be one of us. He was a Hebrew misfit.
There comes a point in every ones life when "Who am I?" becomes a question that burns deep within. Moses was no exception. He knew what he had become: educated, strong, proud, privileged. He needed to see where he had come from. He determined to visit "his people." Why did he call them that? Deep inside he felt like a misfit among the Egyptians and he knew that the Hebrew people were his roots. Any adopted person longs to know their roots.
The visit to "his people" did not go so well. He didn't like what he saw. Why had he been privileged to grow up away from such misery? It was wrong. He must do something about it. He did, and he failed. Killing an Egyptian for beating one of "his people" only brought out the disgust that "his people" felt towards him because of his palatial upbringing and precipitated a death threat from Pharaoh because he had turned on his undeserved life of privilege.
Moses. Egyptian but not Egyptian. Hebrew but not Hebrew. Who was he? Where did he belong? Misfit.
Nowhere to go. Nowhere to hide. He fled to the wilderness...That's where God met him.
Sometimes that's what it takes. After the bottom drops out and I'm in the wilderness...that's where God meets me.
Friday, August 1, 2014
No 2nd Fiddle
Acts 12 contains a sobering story. Herod Agrippa gave a speech after which the people stood and shouted, "It's the voice of a god, not a man." He accepted this adoration from the people instead of giving the glory to God. He was instantly struck with sickness by an angel of the Lord and he died.
Praise from man does happen. How the heart accepts it...that is crucial. Does is boost pride? Does it raise to a pedal stool? The Bible tells us that God loves a humble heart. It tells us that all that we are and all that we have is a gift from God. It also tells us that God alone is God and he is second to none!
Lord, check my heart. All glory is to You alone.
Praise from man does happen. How the heart accepts it...that is crucial. Does is boost pride? Does it raise to a pedal stool? The Bible tells us that God loves a humble heart. It tells us that all that we are and all that we have is a gift from God. It also tells us that God alone is God and he is second to none!
Lord, check my heart. All glory is to You alone.
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Eternal Hope
When we begin thinking seriously
about the reality of death we may become uneasy about it because we start
questioning if what we thought was good about ourselves is really good enough
to get us to heaven. This uncertainty then
causes fear. We know that heaven is good and only good can be there. Yet, we know that in and of ourselves we are
not good; that is what the Bible calls sin.
·
Romans 3:23 says this also: “All have sinned and
fall short of God’s glory.”
Thankfully we don’t have to be
stuck in that “fallen” and fearful state.
·
2Corinthians 5:21 says that “Jesus Christ didn’t
have any sin, but he became sin for us so that we can be made right with God.”
That happened at his death on the cross. When he rose from the dead, sin and
death were conquered.
We can choose to continue to
rely on our own goodness but Romans 6:23 says “the wages of our sin is death.”
That leaves us no hope for heaven.
OR, we can choose to rely on
Jesus “payment” for our sin by his death and resurrection and face death with
the hope and confidence of eternal life in heaven with God.
·
Acts 10:43 says that “He (Jesus) is the one all
the prophets spoke about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have
their sins forgiven through his name.
·
Someone asked Jesus followers, “What must I do
to be saved?” They answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.” Acts 16:30,31
·
I John 5:11,12 says, “Here is God testimony; He
has given us eternal life. This life is
found in his Son (Jesus). Those who belong to the Son have eternal life. Those
who do not belong to the Son of God do not have eternal life.
We can face death with
confidence of eternal life when we have admitted our sin of relying on our own
goodness and instead repent of that and accept Jesus payment for our sin. It is
then that “there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all”
Acts 10:36
How?
·
Talk to God,
·
Admit your sinfulness, that you fall short of
His glory.
·
Accept what Jesus did for you. You could not do
it for yourself.
·
Thank Him for his forgiveness
·
Thank Him for his promise of eternal life
Live and die with confidence
that you are forgiven through Jesus and that eternal life is yours.
Monday, October 14, 2013
Glory Given
Just before Jesus was betrayed by one of his friends to those who took his life, he bared his heart before his heavenly Father. He made a powerful statement claim: "I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do." (John 17:4)
This is a claim that I want to be able to say when I face my heavenly Father. It encompasses what I think, what I say and what I do in my home, to my family, to my friends, to my students and colleagues, to the youth I interact with, in the store, on social media, walking down the road, to my neighbors, to my church family and so on. This isn't something I can be consistent enough simply on my own to be able to say the I was a "completer." It has to come out a living relationship with the one I strive to bring glory to. For, as I grow in knowing him, I will grow to be more like him and, in turn, know what indeed brings him glory. It really isn't a complicated thing. However, "love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all." (When I Survey The Wondrous Cross)
Friday, September 27, 2013
A Powerful Statement
Just before Jesus was betrayed he was praying. He said to his heavenly Father, "I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do." (John 17:4)
That is bold and that is powerful. He sheds light on what that mission was two verses later, "I have revealed you to the ones you gave me from this world." A little further in his prayer he adds, "I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth."
Do we not have the same mission? Are we not to reveal our heavenly Father to those he has placed us among in this world? Are we not to live a life of sacrifice to God and towards others so that others may be spurred towards holiness as they witness God's truth in our lives. Yes, just as Jesus and the Father are one, we are one in Jesus (Jn 14:20). We share in His mission.
Wow, that's a powerful mission, yet it is not a mission impossible. Jesus sent his Spirit. He leads us into truth. He is our comforter. He is our encourager. He is our power.
The time will come when my journey here is done. I want to be able to say, "I brought glory to you, heavenly Father, her on earth by completing the work you gave me to do."
That is bold and that is powerful. He sheds light on what that mission was two verses later, "I have revealed you to the ones you gave me from this world." A little further in his prayer he adds, "I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth."
Do we not have the same mission? Are we not to reveal our heavenly Father to those he has placed us among in this world? Are we not to live a life of sacrifice to God and towards others so that others may be spurred towards holiness as they witness God's truth in our lives. Yes, just as Jesus and the Father are one, we are one in Jesus (Jn 14:20). We share in His mission.
Wow, that's a powerful mission, yet it is not a mission impossible. Jesus sent his Spirit. He leads us into truth. He is our comforter. He is our encourager. He is our power.
The time will come when my journey here is done. I want to be able to say, "I brought glory to you, heavenly Father, her on earth by completing the work you gave me to do."
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Wrestling With What's Ahead
Jesus wrestled with what was ahead when he considered the impending crucifixion. "My soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, 'Father, save me from this hour'? But this is the very reason I came! Father, bring glory to your name."
Wrestling is real. Wrestling is OK. Wrestling indicates that we are feeling the weight of something. Wrestling indicates that we are grasping all that is involved in something. Wrestling shows that something is hard. Wrestling means that there is a lot at stake; there might be or is risk involved.
Jesus settles his troubled heart with two truths: his purpose and God's glory.
When I'm wrestling...Lord, remind me of my purpose as your child and may all that happens be for your glory alone.Oh that I may trust that your purposes for me will bring glory to you.
Wrestling is real. Wrestling is OK. Wrestling indicates that we are feeling the weight of something. Wrestling indicates that we are grasping all that is involved in something. Wrestling shows that something is hard. Wrestling means that there is a lot at stake; there might be or is risk involved.
Jesus settles his troubled heart with two truths: his purpose and God's glory.
When I'm wrestling...Lord, remind me of my purpose as your child and may all that happens be for your glory alone.Oh that I may trust that your purposes for me will bring glory to you.
Friday, May 17, 2013
What Do I Have To Do?
We like to DO. It leaves evidence. It's measurable. We have something to point back to and say, "See, there's proof."
It is precisely these motivations that prompt someone to ask Jesus, "What good thing do I need to do so that I can go to heaven?"
Jesus' answer is two-fold. (Matthew 19) First, he says that we need to keep the commandments. Jesus singles out the ones that make for good inter-personal relationships: don't murder, don't lie, respect your parents, and love your neighbor as yourself. Those all seem pretty reasonable. I can DO all of those "good" things and still hold on to those things most important to me Loving my neighbor as myself is probably the harder one, but I can be comfortable with that... most of the time.
Secondly, Jesus ups the ante. He does this just because doing what's comfortable isn't enough. He is consistent with himself, and, back in the Old Testament, he requires "all our heart, all our soul and all our mind." That is still the requirement today. Remember how he says that where our treasure is, that is where our heart is? He addresses that as the second requirement for eternal life: putting aside our treasure. Whatever it is that holds our heart is our treasure. Jesus says that we have to let go. "Impossible!" you say. "I can't DO that." Yep, he beat you to that. He says, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible." (v. 26).
Putting aside our treasure, the things that hold our hearts, is an inside job. It's not measurable, data driven, evidence based. That is why we much prefer to default to the "doing" that allows us to say, "See, I'm doing good things for God. Certainly I will have eternal life."
What are the things that hold our hearts? Relationships, things, goals, hobbies? They are not bad in and of themselves. The problem is when these things have our heart, soul and mind all wrapped up in them. They need to be held with open hands rather than in a white knuckle grasp. A heart that is acceptable to God is a heart that is wholly his. There really is nothing to loose in light of eternity. There is only eternity to gain.
Lord, help me to keep my hands open. This is only possible with your help.
It is precisely these motivations that prompt someone to ask Jesus, "What good thing do I need to do so that I can go to heaven?"
Jesus' answer is two-fold. (Matthew 19) First, he says that we need to keep the commandments. Jesus singles out the ones that make for good inter-personal relationships: don't murder, don't lie, respect your parents, and love your neighbor as yourself. Those all seem pretty reasonable. I can DO all of those "good" things and still hold on to those things most important to me Loving my neighbor as myself is probably the harder one, but I can be comfortable with that... most of the time.
Secondly, Jesus ups the ante. He does this just because doing what's comfortable isn't enough. He is consistent with himself, and, back in the Old Testament, he requires "all our heart, all our soul and all our mind." That is still the requirement today. Remember how he says that where our treasure is, that is where our heart is? He addresses that as the second requirement for eternal life: putting aside our treasure. Whatever it is that holds our heart is our treasure. Jesus says that we have to let go. "Impossible!" you say. "I can't DO that." Yep, he beat you to that. He says, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible." (v. 26).
Putting aside our treasure, the things that hold our hearts, is an inside job. It's not measurable, data driven, evidence based. That is why we much prefer to default to the "doing" that allows us to say, "See, I'm doing good things for God. Certainly I will have eternal life."
What are the things that hold our hearts? Relationships, things, goals, hobbies? They are not bad in and of themselves. The problem is when these things have our heart, soul and mind all wrapped up in them. They need to be held with open hands rather than in a white knuckle grasp. A heart that is acceptable to God is a heart that is wholly his. There really is nothing to loose in light of eternity. There is only eternity to gain.
Lord, help me to keep my hands open. This is only possible with your help.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Family Ties
I've been thinking a lot about the relationship between John the Baptist and Jesus. First of all, they were cousins. That is huge, really. Remember that Mary went to stay with Elizabeth, her cousin. I believe that Jesus and John, these cousins that were only 6 months apart, were pals as kids. It started when Mary first arrived at Elizabeth's and John lept within her womb. They were bonded. I think that they romped the country side together, wrestled (they were boys!) and shared their hearts, for God the Father had imparted weighty tasks upon each of them. I bet that they were together in Jerusalem when they were both 12. Remember... the time that Jesus stayed behind discussing the Scriptures at the temple. I bet John "rolled his eyes" when he heard that Jesus wasn't with the group on the return trip. Yep, Jesus, his cousin, had a seriousness and responsibility about him that was different than the other guys. John grew up knowing that Jesus was the long awaited Messiah, the Savior of the world.
God's call on John's life led him to be that voice calling out, "The Messiah is coming, get ready." He was convinced of what he proclaimed. Jesus was his cousin and John knew his true identity.
It is not surprising to read John's response when Jesus come to the river where John was baptizing those who were getting ready for the Messiah by confessing their sins. Jesus asked John baptize him and John looked at him with a face of, "You are kidding me, right?"
Then he responded, "What are you thinking? I can't baptize you. First of all, these people are confessing their sins. You don't have any sins. You know that; I know that! Second of all, they are preparing for the coming of the Messiah. You are the Messiah. You know that; I know that. If anything, YOU should be baptizing me!"
It is interesting that just a little while later, John wrestled with his own doubts. His outspokenness for righteousness got him in trouble and he was put in prison. While sitting in prison, discouragement began to set in, leading to doubt. He sent his friends to ask Jesus, "Are you really who you claim to be and who I have always believed you to be? You know, it is because I've embraced this with you that I am sitting here in prison." Maybe John thought they would rise to power together. After all, they were cousins. Instead, John was wasting away in prison. Had he gotten on the wrong bandwagon?
I've been there. I am convinced that Jesus is the Savior of the world. I'm in! I believe that He can, does and will do mighty things in my life, the lives around me and in the world beyond. I have seen it and been a part of it. I know!
However, like John, day to day life breeds discouragement. Embracing the Messiah's way of life is against the grain these days. It can result in rejection, judgment and in some places even imprisonment and death. Sometimes I am like John as I think, "Are you really who you claim to be and who I have believed you to be?"
Jesus response is simply this, "Look again on what you know and have heard. I heal and make whole. My heart is for the poor. You are and will be blessed if you don't turn away from me even though it has or may result in difficulties."
I must look again.
"What ever is true, honorable and right...let your mind dwell on these things." Philippians 4:8
God's call on John's life led him to be that voice calling out, "The Messiah is coming, get ready." He was convinced of what he proclaimed. Jesus was his cousin and John knew his true identity.
It is not surprising to read John's response when Jesus come to the river where John was baptizing those who were getting ready for the Messiah by confessing their sins. Jesus asked John baptize him and John looked at him with a face of, "You are kidding me, right?"
Then he responded, "What are you thinking? I can't baptize you. First of all, these people are confessing their sins. You don't have any sins. You know that; I know that! Second of all, they are preparing for the coming of the Messiah. You are the Messiah. You know that; I know that. If anything, YOU should be baptizing me!"
It is interesting that just a little while later, John wrestled with his own doubts. His outspokenness for righteousness got him in trouble and he was put in prison. While sitting in prison, discouragement began to set in, leading to doubt. He sent his friends to ask Jesus, "Are you really who you claim to be and who I have always believed you to be? You know, it is because I've embraced this with you that I am sitting here in prison." Maybe John thought they would rise to power together. After all, they were cousins. Instead, John was wasting away in prison. Had he gotten on the wrong bandwagon?
I've been there. I am convinced that Jesus is the Savior of the world. I'm in! I believe that He can, does and will do mighty things in my life, the lives around me and in the world beyond. I have seen it and been a part of it. I know!
However, like John, day to day life breeds discouragement. Embracing the Messiah's way of life is against the grain these days. It can result in rejection, judgment and in some places even imprisonment and death. Sometimes I am like John as I think, "Are you really who you claim to be and who I have believed you to be?"
Jesus response is simply this, "Look again on what you know and have heard. I heal and make whole. My heart is for the poor. You are and will be blessed if you don't turn away from me even though it has or may result in difficulties."
I must look again.
"What ever is true, honorable and right...let your mind dwell on these things." Philippians 4:8
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Display of Power: Man's Way vs. God's Way
Following the news these days is unsettling. Actually, it isn't anything different than the past 4000+ years. Man seeks to display his power over other man by means of subduing him. Today it is nuclear threats from N. Korea. Man shows and gets power by destruction. The pattern hasn't changed.
This morning I was struck by Jesus display of power. He was not here to destroy, but to seek and to save those that are lost.
A man is brought to Jesus who is paralyzed. It is interesting, first, that Jesus doesn't deal with the outward obvious. Instead, Jesus tells the man to be encouraged because his sins are forgiven. The religious leaders have a problem with this because man doesn't have that kind of power. They know who does. That is why they say, "Who does he think he is anyway, God?"
Jesus, in His usual pointed way, let's them know that it wasn't just words. Then to show the power behind the words, rather than destroy those doubting his power, He simply looks at the paralyzed man and tells him to get up, pick up his mat and go home. Boom! That's it! The man jumps up, picks up his mat and goes home! (Matthew 9: 1-7)
Power. Everyone recognized it that day. The immediate result: they praised God for sending a man with such power.
Am I basking in that power displayed to me in His great love, compassion, patience and forgiveness towards me? Am I displaying His power through love, compassion, patience and forgiveness towards others? Are there other ways that He would show His power through me? Lord, I let me be your conduit.
This morning I was struck by Jesus display of power. He was not here to destroy, but to seek and to save those that are lost.
A man is brought to Jesus who is paralyzed. It is interesting, first, that Jesus doesn't deal with the outward obvious. Instead, Jesus tells the man to be encouraged because his sins are forgiven. The religious leaders have a problem with this because man doesn't have that kind of power. They know who does. That is why they say, "Who does he think he is anyway, God?"
Jesus, in His usual pointed way, let's them know that it wasn't just words. Then to show the power behind the words, rather than destroy those doubting his power, He simply looks at the paralyzed man and tells him to get up, pick up his mat and go home. Boom! That's it! The man jumps up, picks up his mat and goes home! (Matthew 9: 1-7)
Power. Everyone recognized it that day. The immediate result: they praised God for sending a man with such power.
Am I basking in that power displayed to me in His great love, compassion, patience and forgiveness towards me? Am I displaying His power through love, compassion, patience and forgiveness towards others? Are there other ways that He would show His power through me? Lord, I let me be your conduit.
Friday, January 25, 2013
The Picture of the Power of the Laws
The laws of nature: 365 1/4 days in one year, the moon reflects the light of the sun, ocean tides, the water cycle, photosynthesis, caterpillars turning to butterflies, a dead seed sprouting to life, an echo across a canyon, the formation of a rainbow, the firing synapses in the brain...the list is endless.
God set this all in motion and He alone keeps it all in motion.
It is this God who also set our lives in motion. When it seems like things are spinning our of control, we sometimes wonder if He has forgotten about us. Sometimes, if things are really bad, we wonder if he hasn't just rejected us. Maybe we finally did the "final straw that broke the camels back" and He is just plain done with us. That is a despairing thought.
Instead, God tells us, "I am as likely to reject my people...as I am to abolish the laws of nature." He has never abolished any of His laws of nature.
Yes, we can really do a number on our relationship with God as our hearts wander from this to that instead of being ALL for Him alone. Sometimes we just plain turn our attention away all together. That is a tragic place to be!
God continues to tell us, "...just as the foundations of the earth can not be explored, so I will not consider casting my people away for the evil they have done. I, the Lord, have spoken."
We surely might experience some tough times from our thoughts, pursuits and actions, but, God says, "I will find joy in doing good for them and will faithfully and wholeheartedly restore them..."
Oh that we might respond with "one heart and one purpose to worship Him forever."
(God's words from Jeremiah 31:36,37; 32:39-41)
God set this all in motion and He alone keeps it all in motion.
It is this God who also set our lives in motion. When it seems like things are spinning our of control, we sometimes wonder if He has forgotten about us. Sometimes, if things are really bad, we wonder if he hasn't just rejected us. Maybe we finally did the "final straw that broke the camels back" and He is just plain done with us. That is a despairing thought.
Instead, God tells us, "I am as likely to reject my people...as I am to abolish the laws of nature." He has never abolished any of His laws of nature.
Yes, we can really do a number on our relationship with God as our hearts wander from this to that instead of being ALL for Him alone. Sometimes we just plain turn our attention away all together. That is a tragic place to be!
God continues to tell us, "...just as the foundations of the earth can not be explored, so I will not consider casting my people away for the evil they have done. I, the Lord, have spoken."
We surely might experience some tough times from our thoughts, pursuits and actions, but, God says, "I will find joy in doing good for them and will faithfully and wholeheartedly restore them..."
Oh that we might respond with "one heart and one purpose to worship Him forever."
(God's words from Jeremiah 31:36,37; 32:39-41)
Monday, December 31, 2012
Unheard Of
"Has anyone ever heard of anything as strange as this? Has any nation ever traded its gods for new ones, even though they are not gods at all? Yet my people have exchanged their glorious God for worthless idols! The heavens are shocked at such a thing and shrink back in horror and dismay," says the Lord. Jeremiah 2: 10,11
Why is it that we abandon the real thing for cheap, imitation substitutes? Why do we grasp for what is really a false veneer over emptiness? What makes it so difficult for us to hold onto, stay with and defend our glorious God? We exchange truth for lies that pose as truth.
From the viewpoint of the heavenlies, it is so strange; it is shocking! It is unfathomable. Oh that we would grasp the heavenly viewpoint. May we not exchange our glorious God for worthless idols, worthless substitutes...poser gods! Don't be fooled into a trade.
For our God is God alone. All glory, all honor and all power is His.
Why is it that we abandon the real thing for cheap, imitation substitutes? Why do we grasp for what is really a false veneer over emptiness? What makes it so difficult for us to hold onto, stay with and defend our glorious God? We exchange truth for lies that pose as truth.
From the viewpoint of the heavenlies, it is so strange; it is shocking! It is unfathomable. Oh that we would grasp the heavenly viewpoint. May we not exchange our glorious God for worthless idols, worthless substitutes...poser gods! Don't be fooled into a trade.
For our God is God alone. All glory, all honor and all power is His.
Proclamation
"For since the world began,
no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you,
who works for those who wait for Him."
-Isaiah 64:4
no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you,
who works for those who wait for Him."
-Isaiah 64:4
Sunday, November 11, 2012
The Road Back
God's relationship with us is pictured beautifully in His relationship with Israel. He poignantly depicts Israel a prostitute because of her unfaithfulness to Him...trying to find love, acceptance and met needs in other lovers. Their chase after other gods has lead to rejection, shame and even despair. He states that there is "no faithfulness, no kindness and no knowledge of God in the land." The God strongly declares, "You are a prostitute through and through, and you do not know the Lord." To make matters worse, Israel is arrogant about it. The chasm between Israel and God is so wide that when they come to go through the motions of worship, "they will not find the Lord." (the book of Hosea)
Oh Lord, in your mercy, let me not try to find my love, acceptance or met needs in anyone or anything else than you.
In the last chapter of Hosea, God lays out the road back. He calls Israel to confess and return. This is done by asking for forgiveness, asking Him to graciously receive them back and then returning to offering Him praises.
God's response...
"I will heal you of your faithlessness; my love will know no bounds, for my anger will be gone forever."
"I will be like refreshing dew from heaven; you will bloom like a lily and send your roots deep like a cedar...you will flourish like grain...you will be fragrant as wine."
Oh the joy of restoration!
Oh Lord, in your mercy, let me not try to find my love, acceptance or met needs in anyone or anything else than you.
In the last chapter of Hosea, God lays out the road back. He calls Israel to confess and return. This is done by asking for forgiveness, asking Him to graciously receive them back and then returning to offering Him praises.
God's response...
"I will heal you of your faithlessness; my love will know no bounds, for my anger will be gone forever."
"I will be like refreshing dew from heaven; you will bloom like a lily and send your roots deep like a cedar...you will flourish like grain...you will be fragrant as wine."
Oh the joy of restoration!
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Music
"While the harp was being played, the power of the Lord came upon Elisha." 2 Kings 3:15
"...David would play the harp, then Saul would feel better and the tormenting spirit would go away." 1 Samuel 16:23
I was struck with the place of music in God's spiritual work in our lives. It is not only a means by which we can express our worship to God, it also is an avenue by which God's Spirit's presence and work touches and enters into our lives.
Bring on the music! May it permeate pour hearts and minds as we wake in the morning, as we walk through our day and as we lay our heads on our pillows at night. "O worship the King, all glorious above, O gratefully sing His power and His love."
Friday, September 14, 2012
Sometimes life feels like "a vast army marching against me." That was the backdrop to an amazing story of victory in Jehoshaphat's life. His immediate response: he was terrified. Next, he begged the Lord for guidance. Then he called everyone else to come alongside by fasting.
Jehoshaphat's prayer is a powerful proclamation: You alone are God, You rule, You are powerful and mighty, No one can stand against You. Then he recounts God's victories for His people.
God responds immediately by His Spirit coming over one of the people who proclaims God's intention: "Don't be afraid or discouraged by this mighty army. The battle is NOT yours, but is it Mine!" Then He sets forth the battle plan: March out before this mighty army, take your battle positions but DON'T fight, stand still and watch the Lord's victory."
The next morning as Jehoshaphat and his men go out for battle, he reminds them to believe in the Lord their God so that they will stand firm and believe in His Word so they will succeed. This is truly a formula for victory.
The procession into battle is led by singers who lead by praising God for His holy splendor!
"Give thanks to the Lord, His faithful love endures forever"
The "battle" that ensues is crazy! The moment they begin to sing, God causes the enemy armies to begin fighting against themselves! When Jehoshaphat and his army reach the lookout point, all they see is dead bodies in the valley below! It says that not a single one of the enemy escaped. Then there is so much plunder, they name it the Valley of Blessing.
What was the word that spread to the surrounding nations? That the Lord himself had fought against the enemies of Israel.
Next time I am feeling like the enemy is too much or the problem too vast, is there really any grounds for worry? Absolutely not. Believe in the Lord my God. Believe His Word. Let Him do the fighting. Approach it with singing!
Jehoshaphat's prayer is a powerful proclamation: You alone are God, You rule, You are powerful and mighty, No one can stand against You. Then he recounts God's victories for His people.
God responds immediately by His Spirit coming over one of the people who proclaims God's intention: "Don't be afraid or discouraged by this mighty army. The battle is NOT yours, but is it Mine!" Then He sets forth the battle plan: March out before this mighty army, take your battle positions but DON'T fight, stand still and watch the Lord's victory."
The next morning as Jehoshaphat and his men go out for battle, he reminds them to believe in the Lord their God so that they will stand firm and believe in His Word so they will succeed. This is truly a formula for victory.
The procession into battle is led by singers who lead by praising God for His holy splendor!
"Give thanks to the Lord, His faithful love endures forever"
The "battle" that ensues is crazy! The moment they begin to sing, God causes the enemy armies to begin fighting against themselves! When Jehoshaphat and his army reach the lookout point, all they see is dead bodies in the valley below! It says that not a single one of the enemy escaped. Then there is so much plunder, they name it the Valley of Blessing.
What was the word that spread to the surrounding nations? That the Lord himself had fought against the enemies of Israel.
Next time I am feeling like the enemy is too much or the problem too vast, is there really any grounds for worry? Absolutely not. Believe in the Lord my God. Believe His Word. Let Him do the fighting. Approach it with singing!
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Shorting Ourselves the Victory
It is said of King Asa of Judah that he did what was pleasing and good in the sight of the Lord his God. He removed pagan shrines and incense alters and he commanded the people of Judah to seek the Lord. God honored him with peace in land; no one tried to make war against him. He recognized this and gave God the credit.
Once when an Ethiopian army did attack, Asa deployed his armies and cried out to the Lord his God for help, "O Lord, no one but you can help the powerless against the mighty! Help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in you alone..." The Lord defeated the Ethiopian army in the presence of Asa and his army. Wow!
Later in Asa's reign, the king from Israel invaded Judah. Asa responded this time by taking the silver and gold from the temple treasuries and paying off the king of Aram to attack the towns of Israel for him. Acting in his own power, he shorted himself victory! God sends his spokesman to Asa to tell him that because he trusted in the king of Aram rather than the Lord his God, he missed his chance to destroy the army of the king of Aram and would continue to be at war. "Remember the Ethiopians...at that time you relied on the Lord, and He handed them over to you. The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. What a fool you have been!"
The challenge... Am I trusting God alone? Or am I trying to work it out my way? Do I truly believe that only He can help against the mighty? When He is searching the whole earth, I want to be one whom he chooses to strengthen. Oh for a heart fully committed!
Once when an Ethiopian army did attack, Asa deployed his armies and cried out to the Lord his God for help, "O Lord, no one but you can help the powerless against the mighty! Help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in you alone..." The Lord defeated the Ethiopian army in the presence of Asa and his army. Wow!
Later in Asa's reign, the king from Israel invaded Judah. Asa responded this time by taking the silver and gold from the temple treasuries and paying off the king of Aram to attack the towns of Israel for him. Acting in his own power, he shorted himself victory! God sends his spokesman to Asa to tell him that because he trusted in the king of Aram rather than the Lord his God, he missed his chance to destroy the army of the king of Aram and would continue to be at war. "Remember the Ethiopians...at that time you relied on the Lord, and He handed them over to you. The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. What a fool you have been!"
The challenge... Am I trusting God alone? Or am I trying to work it out my way? Do I truly believe that only He can help against the mighty? When He is searching the whole earth, I want to be one whom he chooses to strengthen. Oh for a heart fully committed!
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